Switch construction



Oct. 8, 1957 Q L TAYLOR 2,809,246

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 27, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fig.|. 6] 7v'lo l 32(12 x B6 v l. l l 68 se 9o 74 78 \e L e4 82 S 92 76 eo so Fig.3.

MWL/ZM. n Owen I .Toylor.

Mlm

ATTORNEY Oct. 8, 1957 Q TAYLOR 2,809,246

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 27, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheei 2 4 |20 n los Fig 7.

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|20 :s i r- |00 |45 |52 gb "4 |04 |40 g no In 82 74 ll 82 H6 Il |55 WITNEssx-:s: INVENTOR Owen L.Tqylor.

M7 mw ATTOR N EY arent 2,809,246 Patented Gct. 8, 1957 tice swrrc'n CONSTRUCTION Owen L. Taylor, Easton, Conn., assignor to The Bryant Electric Company, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application February 27, 1953, Serial No. 339,293

26 Claims. (Cl. 20G- 67) This invention relates generally to electric switches, and particularly to switches for low-voltage alternatingcurrent circuits.

In the past it has been common practice to use switches in low-voltage circuits, such as the common 110 volt home lighting circuit which is designed for both direct and alternating-current circuits, and operate to open and close the circuit with a fast or snap movement of the switch contacts to and from an open circuit condition of the switch where the contacts are relatively widely separated, that is, on the order of at least 1A; inch of contact separation. As these switches are required to open and close the circuit under load, arcs of considerable size and duration are drawn when the switches are opened, and this causes deterioration of the contacts and has other deleterious eects on the switches, because of the relatively large amount of arc energy which must be dissipated. Such switches have also required the use of relatively heavy springs operating complex mechanisms to obtain the snap movements or the switch contacts, and have been necessarily quite noisy in operation.

While it is well known that 60 cycle alternating current passes through zero value 120 times per second, and that for low voltages, switch contacts may be quite close together before they will arc over, it has been essential with the prior switch designs to employ a very large contact separation at the open circuit position in order to insure rapid interruption of the circuit, and that the Contact opening movement occur very fast so that the large contact separation is attained as rapidly as possible.

in accordance with this invention, switches are constructed to operate in a radically different fashion to have longer life and substantially quieter operation.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a switch of the type described for controlling alternatingcurrent circuits, with novel means limiting separation of the switch contacts to a very small amount and yet preventing restriking of the arc following a circuit opening operation.

Another important object of this invention is to provide novel simplified switch operating mechanism which is relatively quiet in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a switch for the control of alternating currents with a novel means for rapidly opening the switch contacts but limiting separation of the contacts to a very small amount.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide yas a novel resilient overcenter operating mechanism for a switch, a movable mass of resilient material, which may also act to stop movement of the parts in a quiet manner.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a simplied form of switch wherein the switch terminals and contacts may be assembled in the switch casing by merely sliding them in place.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof,

when taken in connection with the attached drawings, in

which: Y

Figure l is a substantially central longitudinal section through a switch embodying this invention taken substantially along the line I I of Fig. 2;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the switch shown in Fig. l with the switch casing cover removed;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section view of the switch shown in Figs. l and 2 and taken substantially on the line lil-lll of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section View of the switch shown in Figs. l to 3 and taken substantially on the line IV-IV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section view similar to Fig. 3 but illustrating a modified form of switch;

Fig. 6 is a top plan View of the switch shown in Fig.

5 with the switch casing cover removed;

Fig. 7 is a partial longitudinal section View similar to Fig. 5 but showing the switch contacts closed; and

Fig. S is a transverse cross-section view of the switch shown in Figs. 5 to 7 and taken substantially on the line VIII-VH1 of Fig. 6, but with a portion broken away to show one of the terminals.

This invention is illustrated in Figs. l to 4 of the drawings as being embodied in a two-pole electric switch which may be employed for the control of two independent electric circuits, or may be used as a three-way switch for the control of a single circuit from two dierent points by means of a pair of these switches. This embodiment of the invention is illustrated as having a casing 2 for the switch made of insulating material, preferably a molded insulating material. The switch casing 2 is provided with a bottom wall 4, end wall 6, side walls 8, and an open front adapted to be closed by a cover 10 which may be of any desired material, such as sheet metal. The cover 10 may be secured in place by any suitable vmeans, such for example as the screws 12 at each end thereof which are threaded into the casing 2.

An operating handle 14, preferably made of insulating material, such as a molded insulating material, is adapted to be centrally located in the casing and to project through an opening 15 in the cover 16. A switch 16 is located in the casing at each side of the operating handle 14, with each switch including a switch blade 18 of a resilient conducting material, such as a copper alloy, having a contact button 26 of a good conducting material such as silver, located adjacent to but spaced from the outer end of each switch blade 1S. The inner end of each switch blade 18 is reversely bent at 22, and has the extreme inner end secured to the outer leg of the U-shaped outer end 24 of a terminal 26. The inner end of the switch blade 13 may be secured to the outer leg of U- shaped terminal portion 24 in any desired way, such for example, as by welding or the like.

There is a similar terminal for each switch at the other end of casing 2 having a stationary contact button 2S, similar to the button 2i), mounted on the inner side of the outer leg of the U-shaped terminal portion 24, for cooperation with the contact button 29 mounted on the switch blade 18. Each terminal 26 is provided with an inner terminal portion 36 integral with the outer U- shaped portion 24, but wider than the U-shaped portion 24, and with the inner end of the terminal portion 30 being split, as at 32, to provide a pair of iegs which have some flexibility and resilience.

Each terminal 26 is adapted to be mounted in a recess 34 provided in each corner of the casing and extending inwardly from the open side thereof, with the inner end 36 of each of these recesses being somewhat reduced in width. A shallow groove 38 is formed in the outer Wall of each terminal recess 34 to closely slidably receive the terminal end 3i? or" each terminal 25, so that each terminal 26 may be mounted in the casing simply by sliding .3 V of'the casing, and 'it -will be observed that the bight portion of the U-shaped outer end 24 of each terminal 26 will slidably engage the inner wall 4i) of each recess 34 when the terminal is being moved into the recess. VThe louter end of at least -one lof the legsv` formedy onthe -terfminal -portionl30 -of each iterminal-26 will slideonto a ledge 42 formed lby the outside edge of bottom wall'4, as-it' will be noted thatthe sidewall-8 is cutaway at-43 in the vicinity of "the 'inner' terminal portion 30A of' each terminal-26. During sliding'movement of eachi terminal *26 -into the casing,-lo'cking projections 46 formed onV the outer edge of each leg of the vinner terminal portion 30 will be eammed over cooperating lockingl projections `44`Which-are `integral with" the casing, While causing the legs of inner terminal portion 30 to ex inwardly; until A"the locking projections: 46 on' the legs'slip' Abehind the locking projections-'44 on the casing,'to thus -prevent f withdrawal-of the'terminalA andfsecurely'hold it in place. At the1same 'time' this Alocking; action`occurs, the Uishaped outer portion 24 of the terminal will engage the ledge=$48 Aon the-innerwall of'casing recess`34.

YYA-terminal screw lt) is provi-ded foreach 'terminal 26 vladapted'to'threadedly engage a curved nut-52 located in 'the'inner'narrow'portioni of each terminal `recess34, and the innerend ofthe screw-may seat in'a side recess Y "54 jprovided in'the inner wallV ofV the innerportion36 of each recess" 34. A Wire "channel 56 is providedV in' ledge Y ZV42'at'one endfthereof, for a' purpose which willbe described. I Y

llira'ctually"assemblingeach terminall26 in its casing recess'34, the terminal screw 50, preferably withits nut `52' threaded thereon,"is1rst placed in position with'the inner end 'of'the'screw seated'in the inner portion'36 of each terminal recess'34.V The terminal'26 1s then simply 4slid into theopen side of the casing Vinto its casing lrecess 34, 'as'rdescri'bed above, 'and it will be observed that the shank ofthe terminalv screw 50 will be received .inthe "spiit'portion 32 ofthe inner terminal-portion V30 of each 'terminal 26, during this sliding movement of the terminal intothecasing. `As soon'as the terminal 26 attains the Vposition'illustratedin Figs. 3 and 4 ofV the drawings, it 4willrbe securely locked in position in predetermined ielaltiontothe casing'by 'theV locking projections 44 and 46 asdescribed above. lt will be observed that a wire Vmay 'be securedebyterminal screw 50, either from the yside by insertionY under the head of the terminal screw, or 4from 'theba'ck' by Vinsertion through therwire chaunelS,

'tobeclamped between the outer' terminal portion30 Vof each terminal' and the nut 52 'for the terminal screw.

It isA thus apparent that the terminalvand the switch contactcarried thereby maythus not only be positively "secured inpredetermined relation in the switch Vcasing merely. byY sliding it into place in' they casing, but Ythis same act also serves to locate and hold the terminal screws '50 and their nuts S2 in place. Of course, if desired,rthe terminal screw 50 may have its outerend `deformed to' retain the nut52 captive thereon.

'The 'switches V16 'at Veach side offthe operating handle are mounted inlongitudinally extending side recesses 5 8 Vormedin'the outer part of the casing, and these Vrecesses open'into the upper ends of terminal recesses'34. The `operating handle 14 has Vits inner end located Vin a cenpivot recess 72 formed in the outer end thereof.

In accordance with this invention, the operating mech- Y anism includes a resilient overcenter toggle, and in the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. l to 4, one of the toggle levers is constituted by the operating handle 14, while the other comprises a pivoted block 74 of a iiexible and resilient rubber-like material, preferably formed of a synthetic rubber or other compound fhaving vlike characteristics. The'block 74 is provided withy opposed inner and outer surfacesf76 having keeper plates 78 mounted thereon, with each of'the keeper; plates ,having a Vreversely bent intermediate. pivot portion 80, and side tabs 82 for embracing opposite sides of the block 74, as well` asend tabs 84` engaging portions of the block adjacent each end of the keeper plates 78. The keeper plates 78 may be secured to the resilient block 74 either by beingbonded'thereto; as .could bel done during the moldingof thefblock, or may. bemerely iric- Y `wall .4 of the casing.

:It will be apparent Vfrom Fig. l.of.the drawing ,that/the l'rresilient ytoggle blockf74 .isassembled intermediate.. the bottom-@wallA Vof thecasing and :theinner operating pro- Avjection 70.of ythe operating .handleVwith.thezpivot por- -tions180 of the keeper plates being pivotally received in thebearingmecesses 72 `and-92 provided in Vthe handle operating projection`70 and bottom wa1l.4 ofthe casing,

jrespectively, .and-with' the block compressed a certain tral" recess 60 providedinrthe casing' forrthehandle and K for' afresilient overcenter toggle mechanism, which will behereinafter described.VA The handle has at each sideV thereof operating cams'62, illustrated as beingintegral with the handle, but which maybemade as:sep.arate parts secured Ato each .side of. the handle. Likewise, the handle the casing. V.The `operating 'handle 174. has oppositely ex-V ffsadagter Protesten-ae and@ miranda-@Kemps :.extent. hln' Fig.A lof the drawing, y.the -resilientovercenter toggle arrangement. is -shown in one Y. eXtreme/:position- -wherethe handle isheld atitsllowermost position, and it will be observedthat the rupper fend ofresi'lient -toggle block'74hassits upperk tapered wall 885mv engagementwith Ythe upper tapered wall'90 of-lthe central casi-ng recess( 60, and` thatany attempt Hto vmove theoperating handle 14 aturther amountdownwardlywould result in the lower V:stopvprojecztion 68 of the handle engagingithe lowerouter -corner'lS-of the resilienttoggle block 74,-and could only produce further. compression of Vthe block. Y

yrNow' assuming the handle 14 is -moved upwardly, vthe resilient Vtogglevblock 74 is compressed 'until the -handle passes a position .whereinitheV pivot between `the handleV and block-74passes` -belowf a line connecting the pivot Yaxis of handle; trunnifon64 ,andl -thepivot pointrof the block on the bottom wall of Vthe casing at80,'92,1 -where upon the material Jcomprising resilient toggle block 74 :may expandfto force the handle to its upper limit ofV movement. Thismovement will continue until the vvtapered `lowerend walll 88 Vvof :the block 74 engages-theiower tapered endw'all 9070i the central casing'recessll, and since the block is of a eXible Vand resilient material, there -Ais` substantially no --noise when `-ity engages 'the wall 90 formed vin the casing. f

l'lt..will `be-noted thattthev-particnlar-ormationof'the pivot portionsof the keeper'plates'78, as well'as'the Vformation of the bearing Yrecesses 72 Vand -92, with which jthey cooperate, respectively, makesitexceedingly-dit`- 4cult to Estop `the handlev at -a dead-center-position. While 'a solid block is :shown to 'comprise' the lresil-ient'vtoggle y-block 474, `this invention cornprehends "thatflthe force Yrequired to lmove this rtoggle block vovercenterf-may be vvaried Iby utilizin g different* Amaterials for the block, yand by forming the block with one-onmore' apertures-'to "decrease theA force required to operateit overcenter.

A"The, switches 16 areoperated upon movementrbftheY handle by-'the Voperating cams .62, .previouslyreferredto. p

Each operating camV 62 is provided with a circulanporf u asm-24e tion 94 having a relatively short radius from the pivot axis of handle trunnions 64, and an adjacent circular portion 96 having a relatively longer radius, with these two circular portions being joined by an abrupt radial abutment 98 which is adapted when the switch is in closed position and the handle is operated, to engage the offset portion 100 of each switch blade 18 to operate it to open position, where it is held by the cam portion 96. The cam portion 94 is ineiective, except to provide clearance to its switch blade 18 at the closed circuit position of the blade. Each of the switch blades are biased to engage the stationary contacts 28 and are operated to open position by the cam abutment 98 upon appropriate movement of the operating handle 14. It will be noted that the lower end wall 6 of the casing is provided with an inner stop shoulder 102 engageable with the outer free end of each switch blade to limit opening movement of the switch blade to a small amount, for a purpose to be described.

It will now be apparent that with the switch at the closed circuit position illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, that upward movement of the operating handle will cause the resilient toggle block 74 to be stressed and to move overcenter as previously described, and the radial cam abutment 98 is designed to engage the offset portion 100 of the switch blades just after the resilient toggle block 74 has moved below center, to thus quickly separate the contacts with a fast action.

The contacts of both switches are arranged to be operated simultaneously, and when opened to have the opening movement of the switch blade limited to a very small amount. As previously stated, one feature of this invention consists of restricting the separation of the contacts to a very small amount, as it has been found that not only will a very small separation effect eflicient interruption of the circuit, but that if the contacts are rapidly separated, as is provided in this switch, interruption of the circuit will nearly always occur at the rst occurrence of current zero of the alternating current llowing in the circuit, and that all this can be accomplished while at the same time achieving greater contact life, and consequently a longer overall life of the switch. This seeming paradox may be explained by the fact that it has been known that a contact separation of as little as .007 of an inch is suicient to prevent ionization of the air between the contacts. However, in actually opening a loaded electric circuit the arc which is established when the contacts separate ioniz-es the air, and it had been considered necessary to achieve a wide separation of the contacts to prevent restriking of the arc through this ionized or partly ionized atmosphere, and that this wide contact separation should be achieved as rapidly as possible. However, in accordance with this invention, the Contact separation is purposely kept to a very small value, preferably between .007 and .050 of an inch, and in no case in excess of .l of an inch, which means that the arc is limited to a corresponding length and the arc energy is held to a corresponding low level. By the same token, the amount of ionization of the atmosphere between the contacts is kept at a low level, and by making the contacts with relatively large flat surfaces in proximity to the arc, as well as constituting relatively large masses of good heat conducting material, the small amount of ionization which occurs in the atmosphere between the contacts is rapidly deionized by conduction of heat generated by the arc away from the terminals of the arc, and by contact of the ionized particles with the relatively extensive cool contacting surfaces. It has been found that ideally, the Contact separation should be maintained as small as possible, so that the ideal separation would be on the order of .O07 to .O10 of an inch. However, it is not entirely practical to maintain such close tolerances in switches of this type, and it has been found that good results may be ob- .tained with contact separations up to .050 of an inch as a practical matter, and in some cases up to .l of an inch. However, contact separations greater than .1 of an inch are not desirable unless the contact separation is made to be a much greater amount comparable to that which has been heretofore used in switches of this type, namely at least 1A; of an inch or more.

The invention is illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8 as being embodied in a single-pole type of switch which has many parts identical with those specically described as included in the two-pole embodiment of the invention previously described, and accordingly like reference numerals have been applied to such parts, and a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In this ena-- bodiment of the invention, a casing 104 is provided for the switch which is similar in many respects to the casing 2 previously described, in that it has a bottom wall 106, end walls 108, side walls and an open side adapted to be closed by a cover 112 which may be secured to the casing by screws 12.

An operating handle 114 is centrally located in the casing and is adapted to project through an opening 146 in the cover 112. But one switch 16 is provided for this embodiment of the invention and it is located in the casing at one side of and partly beneath the operating handle 114. As in the previously described embodiment of the invention, the switch blade 18 is mounted on the outer leg of the U-shaped outer end 116 of a terminal 118, and the terminal 118 has an integral inner terminal strip 120 which is wider than the outer U-shaped end 116 thereof. The inner terminal portion 120 of each of the terminals 118 is split as at 122, and differs from the terminals 26 previously described in that the outer end of the split 122 diverges outwardly from intermediate arcuate recesses in each side of the legs of the inner terminal portion 120, to form in elfect a keyhole 124 to which access may be had through the outer flared end of the split at 122 between the legs of the outer terminal portion 120.

As in the previously described embodiment of this invention, the stationary contact 28 is mounted on an identical terminal 118 at the same side but at the opposite end of casing 184. Each or the terminals 118 is mounted in a casing recess 126 which is similar to the casing recesses 34 previously described, in that a shallow groove 128 is provided in the outer wall of each casing recess 126 for receiving the inner wide terminal portion 12) when each terminal is slid into its recess in mounting it in the casing, and at its operative position the outer ends of the legs of the outer terminal portion 12) rest on a ledge 130 formed by the adjacent side edge of the bottom wall 4 of the casing. The terminals 118 are held locked in their operative positions by integral locking projections 132 on the casing engaging behind integral locking projections 134 provided on the legs of the outer terminal portion 120.

As before, each terminal 118 is provided with a terminal screw 5) and a nut 52, and the bottom wall 4 of the casing may also have a wire channel 136 providing access to the recess in which the nut 52 for the terminal screw is located.

It will now be apparent that the terminals 118 may be assembled with casing 104 in the same manner as the terminals and casings shown in Figs. l to 4 are assembled, that is, by merely sliding the terminals 118 into their respective casing recesses 126. The only difference resides in the operation of the key-hole slots 124 provided in the outer terminal portions 128, in that the shank of the terminal screw 5@ is adapted to be forced into the key-hole portions 124 during assembly of the terminals, and the key-hole slot 124 thus prevents the terminal screw 56 from assuming a position other than one perpendicular to the side walls 110 of the switch casing.

vThe switch 16- in the embodiment of the invention i1- lustrated in Figs. 5 to 8 is located in a longitudinally ex- 7 I.tending side recess 138 providedin theouter. portion of :the-switch casing ,104, with theinner end Vof the. handle and .thetogglevmechanism being locatedim a` central .recess 140.inlthe-casing. The operatingzhandle 114 has .opposed trunnions 144 .extending from opposite. sidesthereofuto Y be received in-pivot-recesses 145 forming half bearings for .the truunions in each ofthe sidewalls 1-10 of the casing, 1with theouter half of .the trunnion bearings beingfformed .by half-hearingportions -1-5t) formed indepressedgportions .148 of: the cover at each l-side ofthe handlelppening 146. .The-depressed portions-1148 .of the cover are adapted to gbe. accommodated in appropriate notches cutv in -each Aside .wall i110 ofV the casing at .the open side of; the .casing Such I af'bearing arrangement prevents Vmotion of the handle longi- .tudinally vof .theswitch -out-.of contact-with a motion f restraining-wall,tothuscontribute to :the quiet operation f ofithe switch.

Theioperating handle. 114 -isy provided with -opposed stop Vabutments 156 similar to. the'abutments 68 provided for theoperating handle 14 shown in Figs. ly to .4, forcof operation with the resilientttoggle block 74;in the same --way. asin .the previously described embodiment of. this invention. The side of ,operatinghandle 114. at theinner 'end :thereof .Whichzis adjacentswitchsl isucut. away :to iformsanzzoperatingf. .carin -1'42 having an abrupt; V:radial shoulder-` "152 .for cooperation with the offset portion. 100 .in switch blade-18 to.4 operate.v the .switch asiinthe previous- -lytdescribed embodimentof l.the invention. Operating handle .114. alsohas. an .inner operating. projection V158 having a V.-shaped .pivot recess 160. in the inner .endthere-x fof'for engagement with. the outertpivot portion-80 `on the outer keeperl .plate 78 ot'Y the resilienttoggleblock '7-4. As `inlthe .previously described .embodiment Aof the invention, fthe'pivot .projection 80 of the inner keeper-plateisadapted ftoibe-.pivotally mounted in a pivot recess 162- formed in` the bottom wall. 1.06 of theswitch casing 104,

` Iltiwillfbe observed that a stoplshoulder 155 `-is formed onV the lower end wall 108 of the switch casing 104to limitropeningmovementrof the vswitch contacts,-so that A:the operation of the specicform of switchfshown in Figs. tto 8in opening and vclosing the 'switch fis substantially identical with the opera-tion'. of the yformy of invention specifically/.illustrated and describedin connection with Figs.V l -to i-othe drawings,n and lconsequently will not :be-repeated in detail.V l"However, it will Vbe'notedthat .the-'contactvseparationlis limited-as in the Vembodiment *ofi the invention shown in Figs; -l to 4, and thatv the resilient toggleiblock U74; is moved overcenterv'by the operating -handleto retain the operating handle at Yits two extreme positions, and to eiect rapid making and vbreaking of the f switch contacts. Y

Having described preferred embodiments of'the 'invenresilient. material which, is mounted formpivotalf, oyerenter. movement,.'.and an operating lever pistotally; en- Agaginggsaid material. for. movinglit overcenter whilelstress- `ingthe .same to.motve. said contacts .and ,operatiugrneans to lopen-tor` closed. circuitposition witha rapidaction ,and .tomaintaintthem at thefposition .to which theyare moved.Y Y

3, .A switchr comprisingp separable. contacts, operating means for. said .contacts including .arplastic-elas'ticmassof material which :is mounted `for, pivotaLoVercenter moyement, operating. means. .mounted :foramovemenhin a. dif'- ferent manner .formovifng said material overcenter while stressing .the .same pto. move said contacts and :,operating; Y.means..to=open. or tclosedcircuit. positionwith fast .action .and toimaintainlhem atthe, position `.to which vthey-,arel

.movedr'and-.said mass.having.integralstop portions for' .movement -of said. toggle `levers overcenter jingopposite directions, respectively.

6. Av switch comprisingafpairo toggle levers` oneof Whichcomprises a mass of compressible resilient'material,

cooperating stop portions.l on said-` levers, respectively, for

i .1 limitingftheovercenter Vmovement'thereof in both`V direc- Y :tions, and-separable contacts which are moved intogand .out of engagement by movementf saidtoggleflevers over- Vcenter in opposite directions, respectively.

v 7. -A .switch comprising,..-s epar able. contacts, voperating v.means for said contacts includ-nga gblofck'of flexible. ,and .resilient material having opposed faces, rigid fpivot .bearing means attached,.to said Opposite.facesfofthebloch Y .means Vpivotally supporting .one of said bearing means,.an operating lever .pivotally engaging the .other'of said bear- .ing means for vmoving said blockfovercenter in oppositeV i ydirections whilestressing the same. andmove said contacts to open or closedlcircuitposition with a fast action.

8. A switch comprising, separable contacts, operating .means for said contacts including` a .non-metallicmassof resilientmaterial which is. mounted for pivotal overcenter movernenn anda pivoted-.operating lever pivotally engag-V zing saidmaterial'and having means for actuating said conjtion in iaccordance Vwith the patent statutes,` it is desiredY Y Sthatit be understood that the invention is not limited'to these particular constructions, as it/ will bejapparent to:- -persons skilled inthe artY that certain features maybe employed lin still dierent settings; thus the resilient `toggle .may be-used withswitches of many otherfditerentV types, and' otherfeaturesysuch as`the switches themselves and the terminal mountings may beused in switches having. -'-varied types of operating mechanisms. Accordingly, it YVisdesired that the invention 'be not limited to the particular lstructures illustrated, but be given a broader scope.

i I claim as myinvention: Y Y ffl. A- switch comprising, separable contacts, operating means-forsaid contacts including4 anon-metallic lmass of `resilient -material vwhich .is mounted for Vpivotal over- Ycenter 'movemennv and operating meansfmounted for -movement in a vdifferent manner for moving Vsaid material :overee'nterwhile stressing the same to' move'Y saidcon-"= V tacts and operating meansv toV open or 'closed circuit' posi- :tacts .and'being operable .to .move said mass Vovercenter "whilestressing the .same tomove saidxcontacts and oper-.

.ating means to open or closed Icircuit position with a fast action .andrto maintain them Vatthe positionto which-they .are moved.

9. A switch comprising,- a-casingof insulating material,

' separableV contactsfsu-pported .in said casing, .anV overcenter toggle :mechanism ymounted insaid casing includinga ynon-metallic.resilientrlinltiand. a toggle-member having 'ing opening `and clo'singiof said contacts in vresponse'to. movement of--said togglemechanism-overcenter inopporV means for '.sfaid :contactsincluding ainonfnietallic mass of cammeans engageablewith oneof-said'contaetsfor caussite directions.

' l O L-Aswitch comprising,Vv a'fcasing 'of insulating material, separable :contacts supported linsaid casing, an Overcenter .toggle mechanism mounted-in said casing `including a lplastic-elastic linkand a-pivoted operating handle Vof insulating material having integral cammeans rengageablewith .one of said :contacts `forcausing opening and closingof Vsai'til'contacs in responsel't movement of said toggle .mechanismovercenter in Yopposite directions.

i 1l. Arlswitch'V comprising,v aV -casing Viof'rinsulating maiterialhavingrantgopen sidesadlcasinghavinglspaced pas Y 9 'sageways, each of which extends at an 'angle to 'said open side adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal member adapted to be slidably received in each of said passageways, a rigid locking projection on one wall of each pasageway, each terminal member having a cooperating locking projection on a resilient portion thereof adapted to yield and slip past said rigid locking projection during insertion of each terminal member to prevent withdrawal thereof, separable switch contacts con- 'nected with said terminal members, respectively, and located in said casing outwardly of said terminal members, and an operating handle for said contacts pivotally mounted substantially at said open side of the casing.

12. A switch comprising, a casing of insulating material having an open side, said casing having spaced passageways, each of which extends at an angle to said open side adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal member adapted to be slidably received in each of said. passageways, a rigid locking projection on one wall of each passageway, each terminal member having a cooperating locking projection on a resilient portion thereof adapted to yield and slip past said rigid locking projection. during insertion of each terminal member to prevent with-- drawal thereof, and separable switch contacts rigidly' mounted on said terminal members, respectively.

13. A switch comprising, a casing of insulating materiali having an open side, said casing having spaced passage-- ways, each of which extends at an angle to said open side: adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal. member adapted to be slidably received in each of said passageways from the open side of the casing, said casing. having integral stop means limiting inward sliding move-- ment of said terminal members, a rigid locking projection on one wall of each passageway, each terminal member having a cooperating locking projection on a resilient portion thereof adapted to yield and slip past said rigidA locking projection during insertion of each terminal mern-- ber when inward movement of said terminal members is. stopped by said stop means, to thereby rigidly maintain said terminal members at predetermined positions in said. casing.

14. A switch comprising, a casing of insulating material;V having an open side, said casing having spaced passageways, each of which extends at an angle to said open sidef adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal. member Vadapted to be slidably received in each of said. passageways, a rigid locking projection on one wall ofi each passageway, each terminal member having a cooperating locking projection on a resilient portion thereof adapted to yield and slip past said rigid locking projection. during insertion of each terminal member to prevent withdrawal thereof, and separable switch contacts rigidly' mounted on said terminal members, respectively, one of'- said contacts being biased to engage the other underpressure, and means integral with said casing limiting; separating movement of said contacts.

15. A switch comprising, a casing of insulating material having an open side, said casing having spaced passageways, each of which extends at an angle to said operr side adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends: to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal member adapted to be slidably received in each of saidl passageways, a rigid locking projection at least one side wall of each passageway, each terminal member having a split inner end forming yie dable legs, one of' which carries a cooperating locking projection adapted to yield and slip past said rigid locking projection duringY insertion or" each terminal member to prevent withdrawal thereof.

16. A switch comprising, a casing of insulating material having an open side, said casing having spaced pasl() sageways, each of which extends at an angle t said open side adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal member adapted to be slidably received in each of said passageways, a rigid locking projection on at least one side wall of each passageway, each terminal member having a split inner end forming yieldable legs, one of which carries a cooperating locking projection adapted to yield and slip past said rigid locking projection during insertion of each terminal member to prevent withdrawal thereof, the inner end of each terminal member being exposed at the outside of the adjacent side wall of the casing, a depression in the casing beneath the inner end of each terminal member for receiving a nut, and a terminal screw received between the yieldable legs of each terminal member to threadedly engage its corresponding nut.

17. A switch comprising, a casing of insulating material having an open side, said casing having spaced passage- Ways, each of which extends at an angle to said open side adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal' member adapted to be slidably received in each of said passageways, a rigid locking projection on at least one side wall of each passageway, each terminal member having a Split inner end forming a keyhole slot forming yieldable legs, one of which carries a cooperating locking projection adapted to yield and slip past said rigid locking projection during insertion of each terminal member to prevent withdrawal thereof, the inner end of each terminal member being exposed at the outside of the adjacent side wall of the casing, a depression in the casing beneath the inner end of each terminal member for receiving a nut, and a terminal screw threadedly engaging said nut and being forced into the inner portion of said keyhole slot during insertion of said terminal member.

18. A switch comprising, a casing of insulating material having an open side, said casing having spaced passage- Ways, each of which extends at an angle to said open side adjacent one side thereof and is open at opposite ends to said open side and said one side, respectively, a terminal member adapted to be slidably received in each of said passageways, a rigid locking projection on opposite side walls of each passageway, each terminal member having a split inner end forming yieldable legs each carrying a cooperating locking projection adapted to yield and slip past said rigid locking projection during insertion of each ter- ;minal member to prevent withdrawal thereof.

19. A switch comprising, separable contacts, operating means for said contacts including a block of exible and resilient material having opposed faces, rigid pivot bearing means attached to said opposite faces of said block, supporting means pivotally engaging one of said bearing means, an operating lever pivotally engaging the other of said bearing means for moving said block overcenter in opposite directions while stressing the same and moving said contacts to open or closed circuit position with a fast action, and spaced integral rigid stops on said supporting means for engaging said block to limit movement of said block in opposite directions.

2). A switch comprising, separable contacts, operating :means for said contacts including a block of flexible and resilient material having opposed faces, rigid pivot beariing means attached to said opposite faces of the blocl: means pivotally supporting one of said bearing means, a rigid operating lever pivotally engaging the other of said bearing means for moving said block overcenter in opposite directions while stressing the same and move said kcontacts to open or closed circuit position with a fast :action, and said lever having spaced integral portions located to engage said block to limit the movement of said block in opposite directions.

21. A switch comprising, separable contacts, operating means for said contacts including a block of flexible and :resilient material having opposed faces, rigid pivot bear- -ingmeans attached to said opposite faces of said block,

,center' in ,oppositedirections while stressingjthe same and moving saidcontacs toppen or closed 'circuitfposi- VtiQn with a' fast aetionerand spaced integral'rigid stop portions on saidsupporting means and said lever yforengaging. said blockr to movementfof said block and handle in oppositedirections. Y

' 22. Aswitch comprising, a easing of insulating materialhaving an open Vside,f said casing having lspaced passageways, each of which extends at an angle to. said open sideadjacent one side' thereof and' is.open atoppositeendsto ,said open side andV saidvone side, respectively, terminal, members `adapted fto. be f'slidablyreeeived in said passageways, respectively,'fromjtheopen side of ltheeasirrg, v.ea'ch of vsaid terminal members having aat terminal-portion in'theplanezof saidifsliding movement and an inner Ushaped portion havirigfthe outer end'of.

one legthereof integral with'the inner end of saidter- .min'al portion andV contact means on the otherleg thereof,

a stop 'abutment integralwith said casing positioned. to engage 'the .U-shaped portion oft afterrninal .member adjaent'the bight poi'tionthereof toflimit the., aforesaid inward 'sliding movementY thereof toan operative position where'itsterminal portion is closely adjacent `to and ex posedl through the opening in its passageway at said. one side of the casing,1 abutment ,means integral withy the casing engaging, the terminal portionsof said-terminal .members at Yth'eir operative -positions for preventing lateral movement thereof, V,and means f on lthe terminal portion Yof each terminal member engaging portions .of saidcasingadjacent thereto at least at'the. operative positions of said terminal members for preventing sliding Vvmovement inthe reverse directionto withdraw vsaid ter- .rninal members from saidcasing.

23.'Azswitch comprising, a casing of' insulating material'having an open side, said casing having spaced passageways, each of which'extends at an angle to saidopen side adjacent one side Athereof and is open at opposite Y vendsto said open side andfsaidrone side, respectively, ter.-

minal .members adapted torbe fslidably receivedy in said passageways, respectively, vfromthe open side of Vthecas- `ing-eacheof said terminal. members havingadiat terminalV 12 minal members in its respective passageway to an operative position where its at inner terminal portion is exposed at said one side of the casing and its contact means is located within the casing adjacent said open front, Yand the side edges-of said terminal portion cooperatingrwith adjacentV portions of said casing to prevent'withdrawal of said terminal members.

25. VA Vswitch comprising, a hollow casing of insulating Y material having an open front, said casing having spaced passageways, each of which extends at an angle-to said openrfront adjacent one Vside .of the casing and is openy only at opposite' ends to said open front and said one side, respectively, terminal members adapted to be slidably received vin said passageways, respectively, from the open front ofthe casing, each of said terminal members having a flat inner endrterminal portion inthe planeof saidsliding movement and Vat thejother'end having contact, means thereommeans for limiting insertion'of 'each oi said t'erminal members in its respective passageway to an' operative position where its flat inner terminal portion is exposed at said one side of the casing andits contact means is located within the casing adjacent said open front, each of said flat inner terminal portions'having a slot extending inwardly from the outer end thereof for receiving' a ter-I minal Yscrew located in the end ofitsvpas'sage Vwhich is open at said one side vof the'cajsin'g' during insertiontoftlie terminal'rnembers, and means for securing said terminal members at their operative positions.

26. A switch comprising, a hollow casing'o'f insulating materialhaving an open front, said casinghaving spaced passageways, each ofwhich extends at an angle to said open front adjacent one side of the casing and is'openV only at opposite ends to said open front fand saidone side, respectively, terminal members adapted to be slidably received in said passageways, respectively, from theopen front of the casing, each ofsaid terminal membersy having a at inner end terminal portion in the plane ofsaid sliding movement and at the other Vend having contact means thereon, means for VlimitingV insertion of 'eachof said terminal members in its respective'passageway to va'n operative position where its ltiat'irm'er terminalportionis exposed at'said one side of the casing and'its contactV means is located within the casing adjacent said open front, each of said at inner terminal portions having'a slot extending inwardly from the outer end thereof, a terminal screw having. a head and a captive :nut located jin. the end ofeach passage which'is open at'said one 'side' of the casing Wso that `the shank ofieachjscrew is receiv'edzin the `slot inthe corresponding'terminal portion during'insertion of its terminal memberjinto its passageway, and" means for securing said terminal members at their operar .tion rofeach terminal member at -their operative positions for'preventingnlateral .movement YAYtlierecfparid means; on

the .terminal portion: of each .terminalamember'engaging portions. of said-.casingadjacentlthereto atkleastat the operative positions of said terminal .members for preventing sliding movement in the reverse direction to withdraw said terminal members tromsaid casing.

24.1Al switchtcomprising, vazhollow casingr of insulating material having an open front;V saidcasing having spaced passageways,. each of whichextends atV an. angle toLsaid openjfrontadjacent one sideof the*y casing and is open onlyatloppositegends. to. said open frontand saidoneside, respectively, g-terr'ninal members adapted to .be ,slidably reeiyed in fsaidpassageyyays, respeetively,.from the .open Vfrontoi thecasing eachpisaidterminal members having Y azllat -innenendterminalpportionin theplane.ot`- saidslid tive positions.

References Cited Yin thele of 'this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS" 1,212,125 Burstyn Jan; 9, 19117:. 2,085,217 Hart..V lune 29, l937- 2,182,715 Yeske Dec. 5, 1939f 2,337,809 Gaynor Dec. 28, V194,3 2,395,698 Tidany Feb. 26, 1946l 27,462,244 Wise Feb. 2 2, 1949 2,517,845 Cooper Aug.. 8, 1,950, 2,558,258 Kohl June 26, 1951, 2,573,588 Miller Oct. 30, 1951, 2,606,264 Jacobi Aug. 5, 1952i 2,646,485 Cole July-,21, 1.953A 2,648,731 Despard Aug. 11, 1953- FOREIGN PATENTS 317,711 Great Britain Aug. 14,1929 501,377 Great Britain Feb'. 27, '193,9 630,228 Great Britain Oct. 7,` 19.49- 641,296

Great Britain Aug.' 9,1950 

